Features

Learn From Experience

PUBLISHED

08:00 9th October 2013

Preparation starts for key fixtures

When we do start again it is an absolutely vital run of games we have in the league"

Kenny Jackett

Kenny Jackett believes he will have learned a lot about his squad from last night’s Johnstone Paint’s Trophy disappointment – as he set about ensuring Wolves return all guns blazing against Coventry next week.

Wolves followed up one of their best performances of the season at Colchester on Saturday by losing on penalties to Notts County after a goalless draw in last night’s second round tie.

The Head Coach was forced into several changes last night, and has vowed to assess the contributions from those who came into the side in view of the challenges which lie ahead this season.

“We don’t like to lose,” said Jackett.

“Playing at home we’ve drawn 0-0 before the penalty situation but at home we want to be scoring goals and threatening the opposition’s box.

“And always wanting to win is something we have to develop.

“From my point of view I have to learn very quickly about some of my squad players and young players and the different combinations.

“We tried a few different combinations of forwards tonight with Cassidy and McAlinden getting on the pitch and it’s important we put that to good use in terms of the development of the side going forward.

“I felt it was a tough one for Jake who put in a lot of effort.

“And I thought Ethan (Ebanks-Landell) grew into the game as it went on.

“He made a couple of mistakes as young players do and then as the game went on he won his headers, was first to the ball and his distribution improved.

“In terms of an influence it was tough for McAlinden who got himself into some good positions where you’re looking for him to pull the trigger or find the right pass.

“The one at the end was typical when he looked to play Griffiths in and maybe misjudged it.

“But he also had a good curling shot which wasn’t too far away.

“It was invaluable experience for them and the assessments we made will be vital going forward.

“We have had a good run without injuries and we need that and also in terms of some of the younger players and the fringe players it gives me a good opportunity to have a look at their form and what we feel they can do should they be called upon.”

Jackett, who re-iterated he expects Bakary Sako to be back to full health and fitness for the next game at home to Coventry on Saturday week, was again full of praise for in-form keeper Carl Ikeme, who registered a fourth successive clean sheet before the shootout.

“He has had an excellent season so far,” said the Head Coach.

“He has shown again that one-on-one he always has a chance.”

And now all attentions will turn to preparing for the next batch of Sky Bet League One fixtures and building on the impressive start of 25 points from the first ten games.

“This is a quite a disjointed period for us anyway with some players away and a couple having knocks,” said Jackett.

“As ever it will all get pulled together at the back end of next week.

“And it is very important that we do pull it together very quickly and get all of our senior players back.

“When we do start again it is an absolutely vital run of games we have in the league.

“We are disappointed to lose this one but have to put the exercise and knowledge gained to good use.”